Nine By Design 34

 

We're finishing up another week and you've made it to the weekend.  Good job, it's Miller Time or Pepsi time, in my case.  Then again, it's always Pepsi time.  This week's list is all about MMA.  I love the sport.  A lot of people think it's barbaric, but it's actually better long term than a sport like boxing, because of the rules involved.  In boxing, most fighters are allowed to keep going after being hit with a "flash" knockout.  If you can get up and convince the ref you're okay, you'll keep fighting.  Not in MMA.  Sometimes fights get stopped too fast, but that's for the health of fighters.  So, this list is just some of my favorite all-time fighters...not necessarily the best, but guys I like to watch.

MMA Fighters:

Toby Imada - One of the smaller guys you'll see on this list.  If you watch the clip, Imada is losing, but how quickly things change in the world of MMA.  It was called the submission of the year in 2009, an inverted triangle choke.

Matt Hughes - Matt Hughes is a country boy and country boys are strong.  Hughes was about to go to sleep and then it happened.  Hughes was UFC Welterweight champion two times and is in the UFC HOF.  Still has a couple of fights left in him.

Randy Couture - The real Captain America just retired.  He has defied all of the odds time and time again in MMA.  He's always been too old or too small.  The man just wins.  The first fighter to ever be champion at two different weight classes in the UFC (heavy and light heavyweight).  Also, the only fighter to win a title after being inducted into the UFC HOF.  Finally decided to retire at 47 to act more.  He could still fight, but wanted to do other things.

George St. Pierre - I have a ton of respect for this man.  Does whatever it takes to win.  Has fought everyone and more often than not has won.  His two career losses have been avenged.  He's a hard person to dislike, because he's a generally nice guy and has a great sense of humor.  GSP vs Anderson Silva next?

Jeremy Horn - Was one of my early favorites, because he was a submission machine.  He will literally fight multiple times a month.  Normally fighters fight 3 to 4 times per year, but Horn fights a lot.  He's had 113 professional fights and he's only 35.

Wanderlei Silva - All you really need to know is, his nickname is "The Axe Murderer."  Has had more success in Japan than the UFC, but still one of the most feared men in the octagon as his career comes to an end.

Frank Shamrock - One of the first fighters to have the full package of skills.  He wasn't just a wrestler or striker, he could do it all.  He was way ahead of most fighters in the early days of the UFC.  First fighter to hold the UFC Middleweight (would become the Light Heavyweight) title.  He was undefeated in the UFC.

Bas Rutten - "El Guapo" was three time King of Pancrase and one time UFC Heavyweight champion.  He had to retire due to injuries.  Is one of the most colorful and best analysts in the sport.  Has an MMA gym in California and teaches there.  A great personality and key to the sport's growth.

Royce Gracie - The reason why the UFC was started.  To promote and highlight Gracie BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).  Easily one of the best BJJ practitioners in the history of the sport.  Size has never mattered to him or his family.  Technique should always win out in their minds.  Most of the time they were absolutely correct.

That's it for this week.  Hope you enjoyed it.  MMA is fun, plus submissions are just really neat.  I'm trying to figure out what to do with the blog when the baby decides to show up.  We're literally weeks away and it could be anytime in reality.  It might be sporadic initially, but I'll always post something.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

30 Teams In 30 Minutes

Spring Training is almost over and Opening Day is literally around the corner.  If I was forced to pick a favorite sport, it would be baseball.  Hockey is a close second, but it's still second.  I just love the history and spectacle of the sport.  Plus, it's all about numbers and I'm a nerd and love numbers.  I'll make my predictions for each team in the league, give or take 5 wins...so if I say 80 wins, it's really anywhere between 75-85.  Lots of leeway here.  MLB Network has done a series called 30 Teams In 30 Days, but here at For Lack Of A Better Title, have a much harder working staff than they do and can do the 30 Teams In 30 Minutes.  I'll paraphrase Henry Rollins when he saw The Ramones for the first time, "They played 30 songs in about 30 minutes and then did a 9 song encore."  (I always find a way to get music in every blog post).  "Take it Dee Dee.  1...2..3...4..."

American League

East

Boston - Went out and signed/traded for 2 of the best players in baseball in Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.  Both of them are still young and should be productive for the foreseeable future.  On paper, they are the team to beat.  I'd take them in a fight over most teams too.  Jason Varitek is a beast and Jonathan Papelbon is plain nuts.  Outlook: 100 wins and win the East.

New York - In a rare move by the Yankees, they didn't really sign or go after anyone.  They got snubbed by Cliff Lee and then didn't seem to have a "back up plan."  It's Jennifer Lopez' fault for making such a horrible movie.  (I didn't see it, but it's J-Lo...not Liz Taylor - R.I.P.)  Lots of turmoil going on in the Bronx.  The team isn't getting any younger, to remedy that, they could try to sign Roy Hobbs...just a thought.  Outlook: 95 wins and take the Wild Card.


Tampa Bay - So what happens when a team is on the brink of being a consistent challenger to the two top teams of it's division?  It cuts payroll.  I almost put the Rays in the fourth position, but just can't convince myself that Baltimore can finish third.  The Rays still have plenty of talent, but just not as much as it did.  They took a step backwards, but time will determine how big of a step.  Outlook: 89 wins

Baltimore - This team is filled with young talent, but also signed some inexpensive veterans in the off season.  They finally have a real manager in Buck Showalter.  He had an immediate impact on the team when he came on the scene late last season.  They could make a jump to challenge for third place in the division or stay status quo.  I think they'll put a scare into the division, but ultimately finish where they usually do.  Outlook: 84 wins

Toronto - John Farrell, former pitching coach for Boston, is the new manager and he's in for a long season.  They have a few good players, but not enough to really compete on a steady basis.  Forget it when the injuries happen.  No team stays healthy all season.  Outlook: 76 wins

Central

Minnesota - I still feel like they are the team to beat in the Central.  Although, they could easily finish as low as third in this crazy division.  Ron Gardenhire is the best manager in the division and I think that's the advantage for them.  I mean what else do Minnesotans have to look forward to sports-wise.  They need the Twins to be good or it's just really depressing.  Outlook: 95 wins and win the Central

Detroit - They have the talent, but injuries always seem to plague them.  I wonder if Miguel Cabrera will play the games with a flask in his back pocket?  Asking the opposing players when they get down to first base if they want a rip.  It makes you run faster, he'll say...No?  Okay, more for me.  Sorry, got off on a tangent.  They'll be right there...they are too good not to be.  Outlook: 94 wins

Chicago - Like all the teams in the top three, they could finish first.  Ozzie Guillen is the reason they won't.  He'll blow a gasket or seven and fight the GM, announcers, ex-players (Bobby Jenks) and various others during the season both verbally and physically.  He's too hot blooded for his own good and also according to Lou Gramm.  Outlook: 92 wins

Kansas City - This team should win.  They have been drafting near the top of the draft forever.  They have good young talent, but often trade away their players a year or two before they make an impact.  They don't want to pay anyone.  Why own a team?  Outlook: Depressing...I mean, 77 wins

Cleveland - I'm going to assume you've seen the movie, Major League.  I believe Groundskeeper #1 sums it up nicely, "They're shitty."  That is a direct quote from the movie.  Outlook: 68 wins

West

Texas - They were the American League representative in the World Series last year.  I don't see anyone in their division beating them.  Anything can happen, but it would be an awfully hard thing to convince me of.  Provided nobody important gets hurt for a long period of time, *cough* Josh Hamilton *cough.*  Everything should run smoothly for them.  Outlook: 93 wins and the West title

Oakland - They are the one team that could challenge the Rangers for the division.  They certainly have the pitching to do it.  The hitting is the problem.  They play in a large ballpark.  Awesome for pitching, but not for hitting.  Plus, there's this...Quick, name 5 Oakland Athletics...times up sorry.  They don't have players that roll right off the tongue, but that's how GM Billy Beane operates.  Outlook: 87 wins

Los Angeles or Anahiem - Whatever they are called these days.  They are trying to bring in younger talent and stay competitive.  Easier said then done.  It's hard to try to absorb the growing pains of youth and mesh it with experience of veterans.  They are basically treading water.  Outlook: 79 wins

Seattle - They have two bona fide superstars in Ichiro and King Felix, but other than that...nothing much.  The ballpark they play in doesn't do much for the offense.  Outlook: 66 wins

National League

East

Philadelphia - They have the best starting pitching staff in baseball on paper and Joe Blanton.  They've already had some injury problems, but when you have four guys that could literally win 20 each...too hard not to pick them first.  Outlook: 97 wins and the East title

Atlanta - They have just enough to hold off the third place team.  There's not much left here.  Bobby Cox finally retired and the last holdover from the great teams of the 90's and 00's is being held together with duct tape.  Chipper Jones will probably retire at the end of this season.  Outlook: 85 wins

Washington - Yes, that says Washington and no it's not a typo.  I think they will really come into their own in 2013 when Bryce Harper is ready, but they will show flashes this year.  Oh wait, the world is supposed to cease to exist in 2012...so much for that prediction.  Outlook: 83 wins

Florida - Which team wanted it more?  Florida wanted to finish out of the basement more than the Mets.  It's scary down there.  You remember having to go change the laundry when you were a kid...hoping no one got you while you were down there.  That's why your Mom sent you, she was scared too.  It's enough motivation for the Marlins to claw their way ahead of New York.  Outlook: 77 wins

New York - They have accepted their fate.  They are in the basement with the rest of the broken toys, the Boogeyman and whatever else goes bump in the night.  I think they could lose 100 games, but will err on the side of positivity.  Outlook: 63 wins

Central

Cincinnati - They have all the talent in the world and a nice balance between youngsters and veterans.  They have a sneaky good pitching staff to go along with a very potent lineup.  They are the cream of the crop in the Central.  Outlook: 95 wins and the Central title.

Milwaukee - The Wild Card is coming out of Milwaukee, you heard it or rather read it here first.  They could even challenge for the division, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves.  An improved pitching staff will take them far.  Outlook: 94 wins - Wild Card

St. Louis - What could have been?  If Adam Wainwright didn't go down with a major injury, they could be higher in the standings.  They win with smoke and mirrors.  They appear to have a good lineup and pitching staff, but do they really?  Outlook: 82 wins

Chicago - I don't know what to do with this team.  They spend so much money and are still crappy.  I think that's the most frustrating thing about them.  They try to win, but never get there.  Another misery filled season for the loyal fans of the Cubs.  Outlook: 80 wins

Houston - I've always loved the Astros, they are the National team I would root for.  At least when Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Roy Oswalt were playing there, but those days are long over.  They hang in there, but their best bet is too upset the Cubs for fourth place.  Outlook: 76 wins

Pittsburgh - It's Pittsburgh...the last time they had a winning record I was finishing high school.  Outlook: 64 wins

West

San Francisco - Brian Wilson's beard will win this division all by itself.  It's that powerful.  They will hit just enough to win.  The pitching staff is still dominating, even with Barry Zito.  Outlook: 93 wins and the West title.

Colorado - They will challenge for the division, but will come up just short.  This could be the newest rivalry in baseball.  The stars of the respective teams are young and could go at it for awhile.  Outlook: 91 wins

Los Angeles - They have some great players, but I don't believe it's enough to overtake either of the top two teams.  The ownership situation could/will limit their ability to be active around the trade deadline.  That's just a mess.  Outlook: 86 wins

Arizona - I almost put Arizona ahead of Los Angeles, but just couldn't do it.  I believe they are building a good team, but they aren't there yet.  Outlook: 80 wins

San Diego - They traded away their best player and more could leave at the trade deadline.  Are they rebuilding?  I don't know what the plan is for them.  Outlook: 70 wins

World Series I'd Like To See: Boston vs Milwaukee
World Series We'll Probably See: Boston vs Philadelphia

Nine By Design 26

I just want to send out prayers to anyone that reads this little blog that may know anyone involved in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  I have readers all over the world and though I don't know most of you, I appreciate the visit.  I wouldn't want anything to happen to anyone, let alone something as major as this was. 

The 2011 MLB season is just around the corner.  It's just 20 days away before opening day.  Today's Nine By Design will be if I was putting together a MLB team and money was no object, who I would pick for my team.  This and the Fantasy Baseball League I'm in, is as close as I'll ever get to putting a major league team together.  It's just fun, if you're into that sort of thing.  On with the weekly list...

Derek's MLB Team:

Catcher: Joe Mauer - Catcher is one of those positions where you don't get a lot of production.  The position is too demanding on the body.  He's the best one going right now.  Honorable Mention:  Brian McCann and Buster Posey

1B: Albert Pujols - He does it every year.  Hits for power and batting average.  One of, if not the most feared hitter in the league.  Just too good to pass up.  Honorable Mention: Joey Votto and Adrian Gonzalez (Cabrera has a drinking problem).

2B: Dustin Pedroia - Really?  Him?  Yes, he's a former Rookie of the Year and MVP.  He never shuts up and does stuff on the field that he shouldn't be able to do.  He's a team leader.  Honorable Mention: Robinson Cano and Rickie Weeks (Utley and Kinsler have too many injuries)

3B: Evan Longoria - He's young, good looking and a really fantastic player.  He had an "off" year in 2010, but it was still better than most players "on" year.  Honorable Mention: David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman

SS: Hanley Ramirez - What could've been if the Red Sox kept him?  He's simply the best player at a very specific position.  There are very few impact SS in the league and he's done it more often than the others.  Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki and Derek Jeter

OF: Carlos Gonzalez - Huge breakout year in 2010, plus great defense

OF: Ryan Braun - Great all around in the Triple Crown categories (HR, RBI, AVG)

OF: Ichiro Suzuki - Yes he's old, but has never hit under .300 or had less than 200 hits

Honorable Mention: Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, Shin-Soo Choo and Matt Holliday (to name a few)

SP: Roy Halladay - When he's healthy, there is no better pitcher.  The guy you want on the mound in any game.  Just always scary good.  Reminds me of a harder throwing Greg Maddux.  Honorable Mention: Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum and Jon Lester.

We're done with another week.  Hopefully, everyone had a good one.  See you again next time.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!

Nine By Design 23

Somehow we've all made it through the week and once again we want to know what the Random 9 is this week.  I've had a long week.  It's been a headache filled week.  Feeling pretty good right now, hopefully I'll be headache free for the day.  It would be nice.  Today's Nine By Design is about one of my favorite sports, Hockey.  For me, my favorite sports are Baseball which is getting underway and Hockey, which is currently going full steam.  I was never really into Football and Basketball.  I don't mind them, but won't just watch any game.  A Boston team has to be playing for me to care even a little bit.  I'm the same way with Baseball and Hockey, but if a player is playing, that I don't get to see that often...I'll watch the game just for that player.  Usually, a National League baseball game or a Western Conference hockey game.  On with the show...

Hockey Players

Terry O'Reilly - since I'm starting off with the "Tasmanian Devil," you should know I'm not just going to be writing about the best players to ever play.  He just had a knack for being around the puck.  He's the definition of "blue collar" player.  He would do anything for a teammate.  Anything.

Mike Gartner - A name you may be unfamiliar with, but was one of the fastest skaters in NHL history.  If he got a step on the defender, he was gone.  Ranks sixth all-time in goals scored.  An amazing talent.

Ken Dryden - A Canadien???  As a Bruins fan, that's taboo, but I have always had huge respect for Dryden.  He only played 8 seasons, but what a fantastic 8 those were.  He just chose to do other things with his life, instead of play hockey.  It's very rare that a player of his skill and stature walks away from his sport at the height of his career.

Bob Probert - The late Bob Probert was arguably the toughest man to ever play in the NHL.  He could also put the puck in the net, but it wasn't really in his job description to score.  He fought and protected the stars of his team.  He did that very well.  He also fought all the other tough guys in the league. 

Tim Thomas - A goalie that is very different from other goalies.  Not blessed with extraordinary talent like Brodeur, Dryden or Roy.  Thomas is a "By any means necessary" type of goaltender.  Very unorthodox, but will do everything in his power to make the save.

Bobby Hull - Had one of the hardest shots ever.  A bull on skates.  If he had to fight, he would, but if you needed him to score a hat trick, he'd do that too.  His son, Brett passed him on the career goal scoring list, but I'm sure he would say his dad was better.

Mario Lemieux - Would he, could he, have broken some of Wayne Gretzky's records if he stayed healthy?  That will always be the question.  Super Mario didn't just miss games with injuries/cancer, he missed seasons.  I guess we'll never really know.  He always tormented the Bruins.

Wayne Gretzky - The all-time everything in professional hockey.  Statistically the best player to ever play the sport.  I loved watching him play.  In New England, we only got to see him a couple of times a year.  Just did everything correctly.  Knew where everyone was and what they were going to do.

Bobby Orr - As great as Gretzky was, he never changed his position like Orr did.  An offensive defenseman?  No one had ever heard of that before Orr.  Physically, better than anyone, always breathtaking.  There will never be another Orr.

There is this week's list.  Just a lot of fun hockey videos.  Hope you had fun reading.  See you next week with another list.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!!

Not For Long

I woke up this morning and had no clue what to write about.  It has nothing to do with a Super Bowl hangover, since I don't drink at all.  In fact, where I was last night, it was more entertaining to play with the my friends kids than it was to watch the game.  Full Contact Monkey In The Middle, is quite the game.  The game, the football game that is, was a good game.  Very close.  I'm glad Green Bay won.  I just can't cheer for Ben Roethlisberger considering his shady persona. 


Going forward, this is the last NFL game, probably for a long time.  I'm not the biggest American Football fan by any means.  All the end of the season usually means to me is I don't have to see the numerous talking heads on ESPN, Fox and various other channels on the boob tube.  Now, since the owners are about to "lock out" the players due to not having a working agreement going forward.  It's all I'm going to see on any sports channel. 

Let's get some things straight.  The NFL has surpassed MLB for the most popular sport in the USA.  There are billions of dollars in play.  Enough money to make both sides happy.  If both sides come up with fair requests, this can get done, but both sides will always try to get more than the other guy.  Personally, I hope they do get "locked out."  I'd laugh my ass off.  "Hey, let's mess up a sure thing." 

The NFL, if you talk to players and coaches, stands for "No Fun League," since they fine coaches, players and teams for a variety of things throughout the season.  It also stands for, "Not For Long," which usually refers to a players career, which I think averages about 3 years in the league.  It could also refer to it being the most popular sport in the USA.  MLB was always number one and then it had the strike and people still have a hard time forgiving them.  The players strike in MLB happened over 15 years ago.  The NFL should think about that.  They could quickly sour their fans on the product, arguing about billions of dollars.  They should remember that the people that cheer for them on a weekly basis, purchase the tickets and merchandise; don't make their kind of money and don't get paid for playing a kids game. 

Hopefully, they all get a clue.  If not, I'll be there waiting with a huge smile on my face, shaking my head in disgust.  

Who Is The Better Team, The Beatles or the Pittsburgh Pirates?

Reprint of a 2009 blog

How would you determine this? In sports, especially baseball there are statistics. You could say the entire sport is based on math and statistics. What are the odds that Chone Figgins will steal second base? What is Bengie Molina's caught stealing percentage? Baseball loves stats. The sport was made for the math wiz. New stats are being invented almost yearly. Old statistic categories are becoming less important (Batting Avg. and Wins). While others become more important (On Base Percentage and Earned Run Avg.). Baseball is pretty black and white. Based on statistics, you can figure out who the good teams are and who the bad teams are. There are some gray areas, but not many. There are differing opinions....I think Albert Pujols is a better hitter than Alex Rodriguez. I could make that argument and not be wrong. I could also make the opposite argument just as easily and also, not be wrong. The statistics support both arguments. I'm not saying something ridiculous like, Mario Mendoza is a better hitter than Ty Cobb. There's nothing that could support that statement except mental illness.

So where does the immense world of music fall into this? I really don't know. I think about it often. How does one determine what band or performer is better than another? There are no statistics that really mean anything in music. Record Sales, in my opinion, just mean you appeal to the least common denominator. Luck, I believe has a lot to do with success. How else do explain a lot of the one hit wonders? The moon, the stars and the sun, all line up correctly. The timing of the release of the song, hit enough people just right, for it to explode. Shooting stars burn out quickly. It has nothing to do with quality or talent or any other factor you can think of, really. "Disco Duck" was a #1 hit. How do you explain luck? How about Influence? The Beatles and Beach Boys were incredibly influential. I agree, they are fantastic bands on many different levels. Are Creed and Nickelback influential? Of course they are...most bands wish not to sound like them. That's an influence. All four bands are successful on some level. Good or bad is determined by personal preference. For every Simon & Garfunkel there is an Air Supply. Now, I could easily reverse that statement and not be wrong. For someone out there believes Air Supply to be better than Simon & Garfunkel...they wouldn't be wrong. That is the great and frustrating thing about music. There is no real way to measure it.

There was many a time I'd get wrapped up in an intense discussion/argument/if you don't take my side I'll kick your ass; about best guitarist, drummer, bassist...glockenspielist. You throw Hendrix at me and I say he was sloppy. I throw Paul Gilbert at you and you say he plays with no feeling. And on and on and on...Who's correct? Both, neither...depends who take a better punch? Just like the old saying, "Opinions are like assholes, everyone has on." Some people, no scratch that...depending on the subject...most people...think their opinion is the correct one. I've been one of "those people" too many times to count. Comes down to personal preference again. I like X, but you like Y.

So I don't know if there will ever be a way to determine the best anything in music. Who is the better team Beatles or Pirates? I'm not sure if any of the Pirates can play an instrument, but if both were playing baseball...I'd put my money of the Beatles. Even in 2009.

As an aside, if you are a fan of the Pirates, Royals or any other small market team. Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Yet, a couple million people go to their games every year...expecting these teams to win, when they already know the owners don't care about you. Just your money. Hit the owners where it hurts.


Editor's Note: Reprint of a 2009 blog.  I'm tired, still getting over a migraine and what I had planned on writing...sucked.  At least, I'm honest.

This, That And The Other Thing

This:

I cut my hair today.  It's been a long time coming.  It got quite long and unruly, well for me.  So, I got out the trusty clippers and started shaving away.  I normally don't have long hair ever, but got lazy and let it grow, just to see what it would look like.  I had long hair in college for a while and then I shaved it all off.  For about 10 years, my hair styles have alternated between a pompadour, a flattop and then, the messy flattop (grown in a little, short, spiky and sloppy).  The past couple of years, since I've had my clippers, I just cut my hair down to a short length and let it grow out and style it the way it wants.  My hair allows me to do whatever I want with it, provided it's not too long.  When it gets long, it gets wavy and a mind of it's own.  So, it had to be dealt with.  I cut it down to a 6 (3/4 of an inch) to see what it looked like.  Still a little long, so I cleaned it up with a 4 (1/2 inch).  Perfect.  Swept up, jumped in the shower to clean off the hair.  Felt some long hairs that I missed.  Dried off and started to clip them off.  Forgetting, that I had taken off the length guard.  So, it went from 1/2 inch to skin, in one easy swipe of the clippers.  So, I'm a chunky, Ian MacKaye.  I just need the X's on my hands.  Hair grows back, thankfully.  I told my wife.  She doesn't like my hair too short, so "Lucy, there's some splainin' to do!"  She's fine with it.  She has no choice really.


That:

Tomorrow is the announcement of what players will be inducted into the Baseball HOF.  I don't claim to be an expert in baseball or any sport, but I like to think I know more than the average fan.  There are so many politics in Hall of Fame voting.  It doesn't matter if it's a sports HOF or the RnRHOF, they are all the same.  No player has ever been inducted into the Baseball HOF with everyone voting for him.  You need 75% to get in, but nobody has ever gotten 100%.  Even no-brainers like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays or Hank Aaron, just to name a couple of all-time greats, didn't get 100%.  People have agendas and often refuse to vote for someone in their first year of eligibility.  Just because...that's a good reason.  Remember when your Mom and/or Dad wouldn't let you do/have something and they didn't have a good reason, it was often...just because.  Didn't make sense then and doesn't make sense now.  Basically, it comes down to, "because I can."  I'll give you my little of list of players that I think should be voted in on 1/5/11.

Roberto Alomar: A lifetime .300 hitter, with the best range and hands I've seen on a second basemen.  Often made the incredible play look easy.  12 time All-Star and 10 time Gold Glove winner.  Finished in the top 10 voting for MVP 5 times, as a second baseman.  A very durable player over his career.

Jeff Bagwell: He was the player that got away, for us fans in Boston.  He was part of a very bad trade in 1990.  All because, we had two players ahead of him at third base.  We should have done what Houston did, made him a first baseman.  He goes on to become Rookie of the Year and an MVP winner.  I would have loved to see what he'd do at Fenway.  I'll keep dreaming.

Bert Blyleven: The argument against him is, he was never very dominant.  I get it, but he has 287 wins, is 5th all-time on the strikeout list and did it all while playing mostly for mediocre teams for most of his career.  Plus, he just missed getting in last year, so this might be the only guy I get right.

Barry Larkin: He is the prototype for the modern shortstop.  He proved that you didn't have to have your SS hit 9th in the batting order.  He could hit for power, run and get on base.  He won 3 consecutive Gold Gloves while Ozzie Smith (The Wizard of OZ) was still playing.  No small feat.  He also won an MVP award, which was unheard of, at the time for a shortstop.

That's it.  Those four and I won't be surprised if they all get in or if no one gets in.  That's how screwed up the voting is these days.  Different opinions, ideas on what makes a HOFer and agendas.  Who knows?  Not me.

The Other Thing:

OR

Nine By Design 11

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.  We had a great time as usual.  Good food, good people and the Patriots on television.  We'll get right into this weeks list, because hockey is on in about an hour.  Sorry, priorities...you understand, I'm sure.  This weeks list was inspired by the book I'm currently reading,  The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy by Bill Simmons.  We've established before, that I'm not really a basketball fan, but Simmons is a riot and it's really informative.  Anyways, he mentioned something about a famous baseball card...so, thus we have our list for the week.  Here we go...

Funny Baseball Cards:

Billy Ripken

 









This very well could be the most infamous card ever.  This card came out in 1989 and is still talked about today.  Billy Ripken played for 12 seasons on a handful of teams.  It's tough being a second-generation player, but even tougher when you have a brother that is in the Hall of Fame and broke one of the most famous records of all-time.  I enjoy his commentary on the MLB Network.

Tim Flannery

No, I really don't understand the concept by this photographer.  It's baseball, not Beach Blanket Bingo.  Maybe it was done, because Flannery wasn't a great baseball player.  Probably, more to it being San Diego and being one of the surf capitals of the United States.  It's still a pretty odd baseball card.

Oscar Gamble

It's the card that inspired this week's list.  How Oscar kept his cap on defies logic and physics.  It's a world class afro, that is right up there with Chevy Chase's in Fletch.  Oscar had a pretty good career.  17 seasons as a pro baseball player is impressive.  He was a liability in the field, but had a good bat.  He became one of the early designated hitters in the league.

Al Hrabosky

One of the great characters in baseball.  Hrabosky was known as "The Mad Hungarian" for his antics on the mound.  The Fu-Manchu mustache helped with intimidation as a closer.  He had a phenomenal season in 1975.  Finishing third in CY Young voting.

Turk Wendell

Turk was one of the most eccentric baseball players in history.  Yes, he's brushing his teeth in the picture.  He would chew four pieces of black licorice on the mound and then between innings, brush his teeth.  Dental hygiene is very important.  He threw the rosin bag down at the mound as hard as he could.  Wore a necklace with teeth from animals he killed while hunting.  He was, you know, "colorful" or "freaking nuts," you choose.

Bob Walk

First, Bob has a very unfortunate last name for being a pitcher, Walk.  He has a haircut that would look more appropriate on a hockey player.  I guess he just want to let everyone know that when he was on the mound, he was business first and party last.  Walk actually had a pretty good career considering he pitched for most of his career with the Pirates.  He did play with Barry Bonds, B.T.S. (Before the Steroids).

Jay Johnstone

Johnstone was more known as a prankster than a baseball player.  He did play for 20 seasons, which surprised me.  I just didn't think he played that long.  He also was on 2 World Series Championship teams.  Again, a shocker, with the Yankees and Dodgers.  He was famous for setting teammates cleats on fire, locking Tommy Lasorda in his office and walking through the field boxes to the concession stand to get himself a hot dog, in full uniform.

Ted Kluszewski

Not so much funny, well the uniform is funny, because there aren't any sleeves.  Look at "Big Klu's" arms, my god.  It's not that big a deal these days, many of the players in MLB have big arms, but this card is from 1957!  He cut off the sleeves of his uniform so he didn't have to change his swing.  He's what you would call "country strong."

Tony Gwynn

Straight outta Compton crazy MF'er named Ice Cube (Wait, what?  That's not...)
From the gang called Niggaz With Attitudes ( Are you sure?)

I'm convinced that Tony Gwynn looks like Ice Cube, at least in that picture.  Gwynn was young, slim and could still run.  He did steal 56 bases one year.  All jokes aside, Tony Gwynn is a well deserved Hall of Famer.  He was one of the best hitters when I was growing up.  It was always him in the NL and Wade Boggs in the AL.  The first time I saw that picture, I thought, "When did Ice Cube play pro baseball?"

Nine By Design 6

Another week has gone by and are you ready for your list of the week?  I said, ARE YOU REEEAAADDDYYY?!?!?!?  For the number of voices in my head and the 10 or 20 people reading at home...It's time...For what you've waited all week for...Nine By Design!!!  (Crowd roars...in my mind at least...it's pretty awesome in there)  It should be apparent that we'll be tackling Professional Wrestling this week.  Sport?  Sports Entertainment?  I've always liked athletic male soap opera.  I don't think you can deny that these guys and gals are athletes.  It's not fake, it's pre-determined...they are told who is going to win, but not how that person will win.  They take some really nasty bumps and have some REAL injuries.  I started watching wrestling in 1981, when I moved to Brockton, MA, because the neighborhood kids watched it.  It's 2010 and I still watch it, but not as religiously.

Brockton, is the "City of Champions."  It has fallen on hard times, that have just got worse.  A very tough city, with lots of violence.  I remember going to high school and meeting a bunch of people in my class and asking what part of the city they were from?  The consensus was the "Bad Part" and your response would be, "You're from the East side too?"  They'd say, "No, the West, South or North side."  Someone had spray painted the Batman Symbol above the entrance to the Police Department garage and wrote, "Bat Cave", it was there for years.  The good old days...On with our list!!!

Pro Wrestlers:

Bryan Danielson:  Known as Daniel Bryan (ugh) in the WWE, he has long been considered the best wrestler in the world.  I don't think the WWE is going to let him use his finisher, the Cattle Mutilation and I don't know why?  Danielson, has a great sense of humor...I hope the WWE let him really wrestle sometime.

Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig:  The late, great Curt Hennig shot some perfect vignettes before he made his debut in the then, WWF.  He would die at the young age of 44 in 2003.  His son Joe is currently wrestling for the WWE.

 Owen Hart:  Another wrestler that died way too soon and his could've really been prevented.  He was the best wrestler in the Hart family, which is saying a lot.  Yes, better than Bret.  He had some great matches in the WWE and Japan.  The first real "high flyer" I ever saw.

PAC:  He is known as "The Man Gravity Forgot."  The modern high flyer.  He's what the kids call a "spot monkey" (just wants to pull off big moves, not tell a story) in wrestling.  That is probably true, but you can't deny his body control and ability.   White men can jump apparently.

The Great Muta:  He was one of the first Japanese wrestlers I got to see, because he came over to the US.  Such a different and amazing style.  The first time I saw a lot of the moves he used.

Jushin "Thunder" Liger:  Now we're really in the Land of the Rising Sun.  His character is based on a Japanese superhero.  He's slowing down these days (after 25+ yrs in the biz), but he's invented many of the moves you see today.  Always puts on a great performance, even in defeat.

Sid Vicious:  Sid couldn't really wrestle, but at 6'9" and 315 lbs, you tell him that.  It's not everyday that some that big, looks like that.  He was a fantastic character.  For those of you that still think wrestling is fake, he suffered one of the worst in-ring injuries (not for the faint of heart) ever.

The Undertaker:  It should be obvious that I'm not a fan of the big wrestlers, but the Undertaker is an exception.  Nobody that size should be able to move the way he does.  In my opinion, the best gimmick (character) of all time.  Super Bonus Nerd Points: if you know who Johnny Polo would go on to be?  Somehow, the Undertaker is still doing it today.

Chris Jericho:  Quite possibly the best promo guy in the business.  Just so funny.  He's also a very good wrestler.  One of the greatest feuds in wrestling was Jericho vs Malenko.  Great matches with Dean, but always made his opponent look great.

So, another weekly list has been wrapped up.  As always, I hope you enjoyed it.  How can you not?  It's the wacky world of Professional Wrestling.  It screams comedy...

Fans Don't Boo Nobodies

In case you were wondering, Reggie Jackson of the New York Jackson's, said the above quote.  In the world of sports, amateur and professional, you have to be somebody before anybody will boo you.  It should be taken as a badge of honor.  Much easier said than done, of course.

We, the sports fan, have just entered the sweet spot on the sports calendar.  The MLB playoffs are about to start, the College and Pro Football seasons are well underway, with the NHL about to get going later this week and the NBA getting off the bench to begin stretching.  In fact, this year we get the bonus of the Ryder Cup.

Golf

I personally don't play the sport.  I have played and the result is kinda ugly.  I don't mind watching it though.  It's great background noise to take a nap to.  I love watching the Ryder Cup.  It's one of the few times where golf becomes a team sport.  It's really very exciting.  Which is why I think the PGA should do a team event every year.  Have it be one of the fun late season tournaments.  Take the 50 best players in the world or something like that.  Have a random draw for teams and play a couple of rounds.  Just a thought...

American Football

I specified it as the "American" version, because there are other "footballs" out there and those "others"  have been played longer.  I just want to throw that out there.  Don't get me wrong, I do like the NFL, but I have progressively watched less of it over the past couple of years.  Which I think is odd, because the sport has become more popular.  Also, since I live in New England, we've had a pretty good run.  I don't really have anything to complain about.  I'd just rather watch the "other" footballs, both soccer and Aussie Rules, respectively.

Baseball

The regular season is over and the tournament is beginning.  Anything can happen and it probably will.  We don't have the time to go over everything that was "supposed to" happen, when it comes to the MLB playoffs.  So, who plays who?

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants

I'll give you my superb predictions in a second.  I'd love to see all the teams that are new or haven't been there for a while advance.  Just because, it'd be something different.  I know the Yankees and Phillies spend all that money just to get here every year, but wouldn't you want to see the Twins and Reds?  No...alright fine.

First Round Predictions:
Rays beats Rangers
Twins beat Yankees (Yanks pitching staff is suspect)
Phillies over Reds
Giants over Braves

We'll come back and predict the second round when that starts.

Fantasy Sports Corner

As good a place as any to update the happenings. I went 1-2 on my last UFC picks.  It's just one of those sports where anything can and usually does, happen.  Very difficult to predict, but I do my best.

Fantasy Baseball is over for the season.  The Hong Kong Cavaliers finished a disappointing 4th, after the playoffs wrapped up.  I qualified for them in 2nd.

Fantasy Football is still going strong.  The Flying Burrito Brothers are currently 2-1.  With today being a Monday, the fourth game has yet to be completed.  I'm currently behind in that one, with a couple of players yet to play.  So it could change...stay tuned.

Fantasy Hockey has yet to start, but I have high hopes for the R2 Cheechoos.  The people I generally play fantasy sports with aren't hockey fans and that's fine.  I was lucky enough to get into a league with some guys from the Strat Forum.  You may ask what is Strat? 

Well, that could be an entire different blog, but as a teaser...Strat-O-Matic is the best sports simulation, bar none.  Look into it, explore it...In fact, I'm going to go play...have fun.

The Terry Fox Story

I'd say most people in the United States don't know who Terry Fox is.  That's fine.  I probably wouldn't know either, but I saw a made for HBO movie back in the early 80's about him and never forgot.  He was a young cancer survivor, although, an amputee, that was going to run across Canada for Cancer research.  Basically, what started as a personal mission, with the help of his brother, Darrell and best friend, Doug, would by the end of it, turn the nation on it's head.

His real life struggle is even greater than what is portrayed in the movie.  He tried to run 5,000 miles, but was able to "ONLY" run 3,339 miles in 143 days.  He did this all on one leg don't forget and he didn't have the technology for artificial limbs we have now.  I watched the premiere of the 30 for 30 documentary Into the Wind.  I learned first hand from the people involved about what really happened and Fox has every right to be a National Hero in Canada.  It's that amazing.

So, what am I asking of you?  I'm not asking for donations, that's on you.  So, nothing, watch the documentary.  DVR it, watch it with your kids and/or loved ones.  Tell your kids that sometimes there are real heroes in sports and they won't disappoint you.  It's incredibly rare, but it does happen.  Terry Fox ran a marathon of hope and all he wanted to do was make a difference.  I'd say he succeeded.

Nine By Design 2

Welcome back for the weekly list portion of my little ole blog.  Today's list will be sports based, but not in the traditional sense.  Some may call it extreme, but others like myself, would call it a mode of transportation.  That is when I wasn't falling down.  I don't think you'll be seeing a trick called ollie-to curb-to faceplant.  I however, was a master of that particular move.  It's a sport I can watch for hours.  The creativity, progression and innovation, make it a beautiful sport in my eyes.

Favorite Skateboarders

Rodney Mullen:  He's the best place to start for this list.  Inventor of the flatland ollie, but more importantly, he invented the kickflip.  A trick that is key to most of the street tricks you'll see in the videos.  I will not list all of the tricks he's responsible for, as we'd be here for quite sometime.  I'd say it's about a hundred, give or take ten...probably give.  Is a co-owner of the skateboard company, Almost.  Rodney is widely considered one of, if not the most, influential skateboarder in history...the other contender would be...

Tony Hawk:  What Rodney Mullen did for freestyle and street skateboarding, Tony Hawk did for vertical or ramp skating.  He invented a bunch of tricks, but he also helped bring back the popularity of skateboarding, by ruling the X Games for 7 years.  The X Games vert skating was initially set up as a duel between Hawk and another member of our list, who will come a little later.  The success of the X Games and his domination allowed for him to start a video game series and gave him a stage to attempt a trick he'd been working on for 10 years, the 900.

Christian Hosoi:  He is the other skater that was supposed to be involved in the duel with Tony Hawk at the X Games.  In his prime, he was the complete opposite of Hawk.  He chose style, flash and powerful big airs over Hawk's technical riding and trick innovation.  He had the tricks, but was obsessed with going higher than anyone had ever gone on a board and looking good while doing it.  The X Games wanted to bring back the rivalry of Hawk/Hosoi from the 80's, but Christian never showed up.  He had gotten into drugs in a major way, which would later lead to a conviction and federal prison time.  The story could end there, but Mr. Hosoi served his time, learned from his mistakes and is back in the skateboarding scene.

Natas Kaupas:  Yes, his name is Satan spelled backwards, he's not evil, just Lithuanian.  When vert skating had a decline in popularity, mainly due to the fact that building a ramp was expensive, street skating took over.  Street is exactly how it sounds, skating on the streets, sidewalks and every other thing you see.  Natas was at the forefront of this movement.  After some injuries, mainly a broken ankle, he got into art and would become Quicksilver's graphic director.

Danny Way:  You may have heard of him, he jumped over the Great Wall of China in 2005...with a messed up ankle.  Injury, could be his middle name, but I suppose that is the price you pay for progression.  Whether it's dropping in from a helicopter (no one had tried this, let alone landed it before) or from the guitar at the Hard Rock in Vegas (82 feet, folks), he thinks outside the box.  He is one of the main proponents of Big Air Skating, winning the event at the 2004 X Games, but also having other memories of the event.  He's not indestructible, but he doesn't let anything stop him.

Richie Jackson:  Is a Kiwi, meaning he's from New Zealand, for those that don't know.  A fairly new discovery for me.  Watching a Transworld Skate video one night, I saw his footage and it blew me away.  Reminded me me immediately of Natas Kaupas and Rodney Mullen, he does his version of the "Natas Spin" in the video as an homage.  Richie is still only 24 yrs old and we should be seeing a lot more from him in the coming years.  I hope, at least, he's very creative with his tricks.

Daewon Song:  Is Rodney Mullen's partner in crime at Almost.  Daewon's style is special because, he mixes traditional old school tricks with new variations.  Daewon is still actively skating and pushing the envelope of street tricks.  He was named Skater of the Year by Thrasher magazine in 2006, one the sports oldest running magazines. 

Bob Burnquist:  The only other skater I know that is about the progression of skateboarding, as much as, Danny Way.  Burnquist can and will skate anything, anytime, anywhere and with any stance, which means he can skate regular or goofy foot, equally as well.  This Brazilian transplant has a ramp in his backyard, like most pros, but it's just slightly different from the others you see. 

Jason Lee:  Yes...that Jason Lee, I am completely serious, this Jason Lee.  He was a professional skateboarder before he got into acting.  The first time I became aware of Lee was in the Sonic Youth video for the song 100%.  The more video I watch of him, it becomes obvious, to me at least, what a natural actor he is.  Jason has not left his skating roots behind, as he is co-owner of Stereo Skateboards with Chris Pastras.

This wraps up our Nine By Design list for the week.  Hopefully, you enjoy reading as much as I did putting it together.  A different type of sports list, opening minds to sports outside the perceived "norm."  If your son or daughter doesn't want to play organized sports, buy them a skateboard.  It's a sport you can do, as you've seen, anywhere.

Deus Ex Machina

                  

The National Football League is often called the NO FUN LEAGUE.  This is mainly due to them levying fines on players, teams and various other people involved with the league due to anything from conduct (no problem here) to dress code (you mean I can't wear a bandana, under my helmet?).  They are the most strict governing body in major American sports, IMO.  The expert talking heads that "analyze" and tell you what the teams are thinking, take themselves way too seriously.  I remember a couple of years ago when Tom Jackson from ESPN made the statement, "The Patriots hate their coach."  Aren't these guys on a national show supposed to be...I don't know...Objective.  Not have a dog in the fight?  Remove your personal feelings from your analysis?  So, if they can't do it, who can?  I know....THIS GUY...thumbs pointing at himself, or for you the reader, at your screen.

I have a crack staff of dedicated researchers that have spent minutes and when pushed and promised sugary treats, hours...on the analysis of the league of national football, I'm about to present to you.  We here at, For Lack of a Better Title, do not promote betting and honestly, if you use any of this info for that purpose...you need some serious help, but if you do and happen to win a sum of "fictional" money...we want a cut.  I'd say at least 75%, since we did all the work for you.  We can discuss it later...I'm very reasonable.  We'll go region by region and if you don't believe any of my excellent info, I can prove it on an Etch-A-Sketch.  I believe it was Nietzsche who said, "Let's get this party started."

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys:  Wade Phillips will be able to keep his job provided he keeps washing Jerry's car every week and they win some football games.  Wade is one of those coaches that has a good team, but could lose his job, because Jerry Jones wakes up with a stiff neck.  Notable game:  Will be their home game against the Saints, which they will win.  Mark it down.  Overall Predicted Record: 11-5 (Playoff spot)

New York Giants:  They are the team that New York forgot, as everyone is focusing on the J-E-T-S.  They have the third best Manning to ever play in the NFL.  Yes, Eli has a Super Bowl ring, but Archie was a better QB...I think we all know that.  I can't name five guys on the team, but they some how get it done.  Notable game:  Will be the 2nd game of the season against the Colts.  They will lose the game, but Eli will prevent Peyton from giving him a wedgie, only to fall victim to a wet willie.  OPR: 11-5 (Playoff Spot)

Washington Redskins:  Yes, they have Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan, but McNabb was traded within the division.  So, that means the Eagles, who traded him, aren't worried about him.  Tough call here really, he'll improve the Redskins from 5-11, but they'll just miss the playoffs.  Notable game:  Will be when they play the Eagles, both times.  McNabb will play defense for a couple of series, so he can pull out all the old school wrestling moves he knows.  Dropping elbows, knees and the deadly, but effective "Worm" on Kevin Kolb.  OPR: 10-6 (Just miss)

Philadelphia Eagles:  Oh man, where do I start?  Kevin Kolb could be like Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay, "the star in waiting," but I wouldn't hold my breath.  I think they are in for a long season, with Kolb running around a lot screaming, "Mommy!"  Notable game:  Will be one of their few wins, an upset at home over the Giants.  OPR: 3-13 (Are you kidding?)

AFC East

New York Jets:  You heard it here first, the Jets will go 0-84.  They will not only lose all of their league games, but will lose to the Miami Sharks, Boston University Terriers and the high school team, Ampipe.  The "Sanchize" will throw a late interception to Stefen Djordjevic of Ampipe.  Rex Ryan thought just playing the regular schedule would be too easy, so he scheduled every team he could think of real or otherwise.  Notable game:  Will be the home game against the Patriots, when Rex gets to try out his sniper towers to eliminate any "looky-loos" on the Pats sideline.  OPR: 12-4 (Playoff spot)

New England Patriots:   Bill Belichick is like Chuck Norris and The Most Interesting Man in the World combined.  He's never wrong.  He's just letting Rex Ryan think he's got the best team.  He has hidden jewels all over his team, but they are so hidden, they can't be recognized yet.  The long run of the Patriots is just about over.  Moss is complaining, Welker is coming off the knee injury and Brady doesn't have a new contract yet (as of this writing).  Belichick is running out of smoke and mirrors, but will have just enough this year.  Notable game:  Will be against the Steelers, when a distracted Brady has a horrible game, because Ben Roethlisberger was seen talking to Giselle, Brady's sisters and his mom, before the game.  OPR: 10-6 (playoff spot)

Miami Dophins:  The other team in Miami, other than the Heat.  They will show improvement over last season, but that isn't that hard.  Other than that, nobody really cares...They don't have a coach with the big personality of Ryan nor the evil genius that is, Bellichick.  They also aren't the yearly mess that is Buffalo, but we'll get to them in a minute.  They are just there...scraping and scratching in the AFC East.  Notable game:  They will upset both the Pats and Jets at home, early in the season, that will be their season.  OPR: 8-8 (Thanks for playing)

Buffalo Bills:  This is the team my old boss would root for every year.  He was more successful than this franchise has been the past 10 yrs.  They try to build a team, but it never seems to work out for them.  They drafted CJ Spiller, who I think is going to be a really good running back, but I think he'd be more interesting if his name was OJ Spiller.  That's about all I think about the Bills.  Notable game:  Will be the one against the Bears in Canada.  Who wins here?  Not the Canadians...the Bills and Bears, really...no thanks.  So, nobody will win this game, they will tie.  OPR:  4-11-1 (Ummm...Nope)

NFC North 

 Minnesota Vikings:  I don't know if you've heard out there in readerland and I don't know if I'm breaking any rules in media world, but I think Brett Favre is coming back.  Holy Crap, this better be his last season.  Another summer focused on that guy.  Who does he think he is, Darrelle Revis?  They have a good team, but they already have injury questions.  I guess we'll see, just like everything.  Notable game:  After a pretty good start, they run into the Jets on the road.  This should tell the Vikes where they stand.  OPR: 12-4 (Playoff spot)

Green Bay Packers:  A lot of people are picking them for the Super Bowl, along with this year being Aaron Rodgers year to solidify his so-called greatness.  He could be everyone's top QB in fantasy world, but without a championship, it's all he is.  It's put up or shut up time...it's football, not rocket surgery.  Alright, enough with the cliches.  Notable game:  A win on the road in New England to show the league they have arrived to stay.   OPR: 12-4 (Playoff spot)

Detroit Lions:  The Lions are no longer the kid that gets stuffed in the locker.  They might get a swirlie every once in a while, but there's an understanding now.  They aren't the worst anymore...they still aren't good, hell they aren't even mediocre.  They are the team you don't want to lose to.  Notable game:  Will be an upset win over Washington at home to dash their playoff hopes.  OPR:  5-11 (If the record was reversed)

Chicago Bears:  A team that would be best served if they could just skip the season.  No harm, no foul...just pack it in.  I bet Jay Cutler wishes he was still in Denver.  Notable game:  After a win against Detroit in the first game of the season, it'll all be down hill.  OPR:  4-11-1 (Same team that tied the Bills)

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens:  They are still the team to beat in the North.  I know the Bengals have improved, by bringing in T.O., but to quote Omar Little, "You come at the king, you best not miss."  The Ravens still have that swagger, just a notch above everyone else.  Notable game:  They smack around Miami when the fish come for a visit.  OPR: 10-6 (Playoff spot)

Cincinnati Bengals:  Well this should be entertaining.  They have two players that could literally have a fist fight on the field over who has the biggest ego.  It's not about how many points the Bengals will score in the season, but how much money will OchoCinco and T.O. be fined collectively for teaming up on TD celebrations.  You know it's going to happen, because neither one of them can be out of the spotlight for 10 seconds.  Notable game:  The first game of the season, a loss against the Patriots will end up taking them out of the playoff picture.  OPR: 10-6 (It's not my fault, it's his)

Pittsburgh Steelers:  Where to begin?  Their only legitimate quarterback is suspended for the first quarter of the season for being naughty.  Count your blessings he's not in jail Steeler fans.  Then the backup gets hurt, so now they're dealing with the third stringer, Willie Beamon.  So, Jamie Foxx will run all over the field for the first four games and then they'll put, Dennis Quaid in...I mean Big Ben, to save the season...Survey Says...XXX  I just want to see someone take Troy Polynomial down by his hair, just once.  That would be awesome.  Notable game:  A win in Baltimore still won't get them in, too little too late.  OPR: 9-7 (It's Ben's fault...Easy)

Cleveland Browns:  I've found it very difficult to do the teams that are usually bad.  It's like having a friend that just got dumped and you see his ex-girlfriend already out with someone else and that someone else is your friend's brother, but your friend doesn't know yet and thinks there's still a chance they'll get back together.  Now you have to tell him.  That's the Browns to me...make sense?  Didn't think so...Notable game:  On a happier note, Cleveland will be 1-1 after two games, with a victory over KC.  OPR: 2-14 (Suicide watch)

NFC South

New Orleans Saints:  The defending champions aren't getting much respect.  I don't understand why, they play in an easy division.  They should be able walk through the season, barring injuries of course.  Great quarterback, good coach and a ton of talent.  The only annoying thing about them is that "Who Dat?" chant.  I find Drew Brees a hard person to dislike.  Reggie Bush is a different story.  Notable game:  One blip on the screen for the Saints will be a loss in Dallas.  OPR:  14-2 (Out of control, yes...Playoff spot)

Atlanta Falcons:  Matt Ryan tries to get back to where he was, after last year's tumble.  They will improve, but it just won't be enough.  Which I'm actually fine with, because we don't need the "Dirty Bird" back in the league anytime soon.  Sorry Falcons fans...maybe next year.  Although, my fantasy team hopes Michael Turner runs for 3,000 yds.  Notable game:  Big win of the season will be against the up and coming 49ers.  OPR: 10-6 (Whoops)

Carolina Panthers:  It's a changing of the guard in the Carolinas.  Jake Delhomme is no longer home...I know it was horrible, what do you want from me?  Do you see how many words I'm writing here?  I just don't think they have what it takes to be a good team.  They will lose the close ones and the not so close ones.  Notable game:  None really, they will sweep Tampa Bay...how about that?  OPR:  5-11 (If we change the rules they'll get in)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Tampa, Tampa, Tampa...what are we going to do with you?  Coach Raheem Morris almost got fired last year, but he made it through to the end and got to come back.  He's going to start the season 2-1 going into the Bye at week 4.  The Bucs will sign him to a contract extension and then the ship will fall apart.  He seems like a good guy...so I wanted him to get paid, because he'll be fired before the end of the season.  Sorry, dude...I hope I'm wrong...let's face it...I probably am.  Notable game:  Week 3 victory over Pittsburgh.  OPR: 3-13 (Our house is burning down)

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts:  I'm not sure how Peyton Manning became, Mr. Commercial.  He's everywhere or has been for the past couple of years.  Most spots have been pretty funny.  The competition between Manning and Brady is always going on, even when the TV is off.  Both have been on Saturday Night Live and both were very funny, but Peyton's sketch/fake commercial for the Big Brother program is the best.  So, Brady has more rings, Giselle and is better looking, but Manning is funnier, in more commercials and...forget it...you can't beat Giselle...sorry Peyton.  Notable game:  Houston catches them by surprise on the road opening weekend.  OPR:  13-3 (Playoff spot)

Tennessee  Titans:  Vince Young has pulled his head out of his rear end and played well last year.  I think he's proven that he was the better player over Matt Leinart.  The Titans will be a sleeper pick.  I think they will play spoiler for a few teams and will sneak into the playoffs.  Notable game:  Taking out Miami on the road.  OPR: 10-6 (Playoff spot)

 Houston Texans:  They are the "almost" team.  They will almost make an improvement this season.  Matt Schaub is almost a star.  They will almost make the playoffs, well, not really.  Since they've come into the league in the 2002 season, I've hoped they'd do well.  It just never really happens.  All because, I like their logo.  They are getting better.  Matt Schaub is way better than David Carr...so they are going in the right direction, but just aren't there.  Notable game:  A late season win on the road in Denver, just won't be enough to get them into the playoffs.  OPR:  9-7 (So close)

Jacksonville Jaguars:  I'd personally rather play in Cleveland than Jacksonville, FL.  At least the fans in Ohio are passionate.  No offense Disney corporation, I love the mouse.  Other than Maurice Jones-Drew and sometimes David Garrard, do they really have any players?  Drew needs to get himself out of town and on a good team before he gets too old or hurt.  Notable game:  They beat the Eagles, but so does everyone.  OPR:  4-12 (Ugh..)

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers:  Is this the season that Alex Smith grows up?  Mike Singletary sure hopes so.  Vernon Davis, Frank Gore and Patrick Willis are all very good young players.  If they can all manage to stay healthy, this team could be very scary.  It would be nice if the Niners came back into prominence.  At least, they aren't the guys from across the Bay.  Notable game:  Will start a nice winning streak in Philly, that will end in Green Bay.  OPR:  11-5 (Playoff spot)

Arizona Cardinals:  They have switched places with the Niners.  Who is the QB?  I know his last name is Anderson and he played for a time in Cleveland.  He got out of Cleveland at least, he's got that going for him.  No more "Super" Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin.  Their RB is up in the air, so it's going on the shoulders of Larry Fitzgerald.  As good as he is, he can't throw the ball to himself.  The team is going backwards, never a good thing.  Notable game:  Opening weekend loss to St. Louis.  OPR:  8-8 (Mediocre)

St. Louis Rams:   They are going the path of Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman, by letting the rookie start.  It took some time, but it worked for both the Colts and Cowboys.  Sam Bradford will do some bad things, some good things and possibly, some great things this season.  As long as the fan base knows it will be bumpy, it shouldn't be so bad.  The team is paying him the money, let him earn it.  Notable game:  Late season upset of San Francisco at home.  OPR:  7-9 (Try next year)

Seattle Seahawks:  You guys have Pete Carroll as your coach, but it's not college.  He left the USC  program in shambles, how much worse could he do here?  He got rid of TJ Who'sYoMomma (Housmanzdadeh) and he traded for his guy LenDale White, only to cut him later, but White got hurt...so he was a prophet.  There are way too many question marks up in the Great Wet North.  Notable game:  Ending the season on an up-note, with an upset of St. Louis.  OPR:  3-13 (Gaak!!)

AFC West

San Diego Chargers:  Another team that has always seemed like it has a lot of talent, but never really goes anywhere.  Phil Rivers, can I call you Phil?  Thanks...Phil Rivers sounds like a local morning show host in Dubuque, IA.  Anyways, Rivers is a second tier quarterback, he's good, just not great...yet.  He's shown flashes of greatness, but Eli Manning he's not...kidding.  I still like when they bring back the powder blue uniforms for a game or two each year.  Go Lance Alworth!  Notable game:  Losses to New England and Indy, still prove the Chargers are a step behind.  OPR:  10-6 (Playoff spot)

Denver Broncos:  The only quarterback you heard about as much as Farva, (I know that's not how you spell his name, but if you get the reference, you'll get one platinum star) was Tim Tebow.  I know Josh McDaniels is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle, but you don't pick experiments in the first round.  Notable game:  Big win late in the season in Arizona.  OPR:  8-8 (Not quite)

Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs:  I will combine them, because if you've been kind enough to read this entire thing...you don't need to get depressed and I'm really tired.  Both teams aren't good...the Raiders are hoping to finish with a good enough record to not give the Patriots another high pick, since they own their first round pick.  The Chefs...would be great if they worked in a restaurant.  No Notable games and both OPR's:  3-13 (Give me a break) 

Super Bowl Prediction:  New Orleans over Baltimore